OUR VIEW | Winter weather on its way

The wet opening to winter in the Puget Sound in recent weeks is nothing compared to the destruction Hurricane Sandy has left on the East Coast. But the scenes in the news, not to mention a few scattered power outages locally this week, can serve as a reminder that winter preparations should begin now.

Forecasters are calling for a pineapple express season, so we can expect plenty of rain and wind over the next few months. And recent earthquakes along the Alaska coast this week are also just close enough to signal the need for us to be ready for anything.

Today we remind readers that it's not too early to begin preparations for snow, floods, power outages, or worst.

Having food and water on hand for three to seven days is the best start, as it checking your home first aid kit and making sure emergency items like flashlights and portable radios have fresh batteries installed. Know your neighborhood, and share an evacuation plan for your family as well. Be sure children understand what to do in an emergency, or when power is lost.

For more tips and planning suggestions, visit either the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management, www.kitsapdem.org, or the American Red Cross chapter of Kitsap and North Mason counties, www.redcross.org/wa/seattle.

The week's near-constant rain may be enough reminder enough of what a Pacific Northwest winter has in store. But here's another reminder: Be prepared, and stay safe.